Anabolic steroids

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anabolic steroids

Winning and power still remain two of the most cherished values in our society. Most
people want to be winners, and many want to gain power. Children pick up on these
values at an early age and try to emulate them throughout their lives. Some are
successful on their own, while others seek artificial means to help them along, thus
creating an unlevel playing field. In the case of sports, use of anabolic steroids is one

means.

DEPOSITOR*

AUG 0 2 1993

What are anabolic steroids?

UNIVERSITY Oh ILLINOIS
AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Anabolic steroids are a group of powerful compounds
closely related to the male sex hormone, testosterone.
They are used to promote the growth of muscle bulk,
strength, and stamina.

FACT IS... Limited to the treatment of certain kinds
of anemia , severe burns, and some types of breast cancer,
anabolic steroids are seldomly prescribed by physicians
today.

Why are anabolic steroids used?

Some athletes use steroids to gain a competitive edge by
increasing body weight and muscular strength. Other
individuals who are concerned about their physical ap-
pearance use steroids to look more muscular.

FACT IS... About 3 percent of 12th grade males in
the United States had used steroids, according to a 1990
National Institute on Drug Abuse survey.

Are there any physical side effects?

Yes. Anabolic steroid usage can result in more than 70 side
effects ranging in severity from acne to liver cancer and
including psychological as well as physical reactions. The
liver and cardiovascular and reproductive systems are most
seriously affected by steroid use.

FACT IS. . . In males, use can cause withered testicles,
sterility, and impotence. In females, irreversible masculine
traits (such as lowered voice and increased facial and body
hair) can develop along with breast reduction and sterility.
Psychological effects in both sexes include very aggressive
behavior known as "roid rage" and depression. While some
side effects appear quickly, others, such as heart attacks
and strokes, may not show up for years.

Are the risks worth it?

Review the facts. The extreme effects of anabolic steroid
use can result in either death or doing time.

THE LAW

Are there legal consequences for anabolic steroid usage?

Yes. In terms of ranking illegal narcotics, the federal government lists steroids as a Schedule 3 drug, as is
codeine. Ranked as more serious controlled substances are heroin and LSD (Schedule 1), and morphineand
cocaine (Schedule 2).

FACT IS... In February 1991 , the federal Anabolic Steroids Control Act became effective. It empowered
the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to regulate and investigate legal and illicit steroid use and trafficking
llllinois law also provides penalties for the possession and manufacture of steroids.

CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES

Under federal law, a first-time conviction for the manufacture or delivery of steroids carries a
maximum punishment of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

A steroid possession conviction, even for personal-use quantities not validly prescribed by a
doctor, carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a minimum $1 ,000 fine. Subsequent offenses
within two years of a prior conviction will result in stiffer penalties.

For more information on the legal consequences of drug abuse, call the Illinois Criminal Justice Information
Authority at (312) 793-8550.

This project is supported by Gram #90-DB-CX-00!7 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. U.S Department of Justice. Points of view or opinions contained in (his document do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois. 92-61/7,000. June 1992

3 0112 115497577

UNIVERSITY OF
ILLINOIS LIBRARY
AT UR3 ANA-CHAMPAIGN

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